Tried and Tested: The Best Catamaran Boat Tour in Lagos, Portugal

If you’re planning a trip to Lagos, Portugal, and wondering whether to squeeze in a boat tour or catamaran cruise, let me stop you right there. Yes. You absolutely should. And not just any boat trip, specifically the Algarve Golden Coast Cruise. 

This is hands down the best boat tour in Lagos and arguably the best boat trip in the Algarve. I did it on my most recent trip, and I still catch myself daydreaming about that afternoon on the water.

Over the years (and there have been a few, as I’ve been travelling for 11+ of them), I’ve been on a lot of boat trips. Some were scenic. Some were snoozefests. This one? It had everything: jaw-dropping views, great music, dolphins (!), and the kind of easygoing vibe that makes you forget about time entirely.

What I loved most was that it felt like the perfect balance of adventure and chill. You’re not being rushed from one spot to the next or herded like tourists on a timetable. It’s relaxed in the best possible way, paddleboarding if you want, sunbathing if you don’t, and enough space to stretch out or even strike up a chat with the crew (who, by the way, are as fun as they are professional). Whether you’re solo, with friends, or tagging along with your other half, it’s the perfect trip.

Let me show you exactly what made this boat tour a total standout and why you might just want to book it before you even finish reading this post.

Why I Chose the Algarve Golden Coast Cruise

I booked this boat tour in August a couple of years ago (right in the middle of a summer heatwave and a serious need to get out on the water), but I still remember it fondly as one of the best boat trips I’ve been on in my 30+ years on this earth. 

My friends and I were on holiday in Sagres (about 30 minutes from Lagos) and were looking for some potential boat trips along the Algarve we could join, and then we came across this one, which stood out for a few reasons. 

Catamaran (yes, please), coastal views that promised to be next-level, a swim stop in a quiet bay and a drinks voucher included. It sounded like my kind of afternoon (plus the reviews were nothing but positive). 

I booked it through GetYourGuide, which made the whole process super easy and stress-free. If you’re visiting during peak season, I highly recommend booking in advance as spots go quickly, and it’s too good to miss.

I’d done a few Algarve boat trips before, such as this one through Rio Formosa National Park, but this cruise had that perfect mix of everything: enough time to unwind, enough activity to keep it interesting, and epic views that make you fall in love with Portugal. 

What the Lagos Boat Cruise Was Actually Like

From the moment I stepped on board, I knew this wasn’t going to be one of those “sit quietly and wait for the tour guide to talk” kind of boat trips. The crew were welcoming, the music was already vibing (if you love a chilled summer vibes playlist), and there was this really fun, relaxed energy that set the tone for the afternoon. It didn’t feel forced or touristy; it was more like being invited to a friend’s boat party, just with better views.

Once we left Lagos Marina, we cruised past the golden cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, which somehow look even better from the water. Being up close to the caves and rock formations really showed off how dramatic this bit of coastline is. Then we headed toward Praia da Luz, with more beaches and cliffs lining the way.

As we cruised along the coast, I cashed in my drink voucher for a mojito (because priorities). Not long after, a pod of dolphins popped up beside the boat, totally unexpected but completely amazing. Somewhere between that first mojito and a surprise round of dolphin cameos, I realised I’d properly switched off. No snapping photos (as you can probably tell by the lack of photos in this blog post), no chasing the next view… just chilled vibes, a mojito in hand, and not a care in the world. Honestly, when was the last time that happened?

👉Want to book the best boat trip in Lagos with drinks, paddleboarding, and epic coastal views? Book your Algarve Golden Coast Cruise here

Onboard Activities During the Algarve Catamaran Tour

Once we anchored in a peaceful little bay, it was time to jump in (literally). Some people grabbed paddleboards, others snorkelled around in the Atlantic Ocean, and a few of us (I included) launched ourselves off the side of the boat. The water was cold (because it’s the Atlantic we’re talking about here), but thankfully it actually felt extremely nice on what was a hot Algarve day.

I also tried out a bit of paddleboarding with my friends, and after falling in the water multiple times, we decided to call it a day and head back on the boat for yet another mojito (no judgments, please). Some of the other guests on the boat were reading, some were chatting, and others were just relaxing in the sun. There was no pressure to do everything. It was a do-what-you-feel kind of setup, and I loved that.

Why This is the Best Boat Tour in Lagos

Out of all the boat trips I’ve done (and trust me, there have been many), this one just nailed it. It wasn’t a slow, scripted sightseeing tour, but it wasn’t some rowdy booze cruise either. It landed somewhere perfectly in between with a great atmosphere and just the right amount of energy. The crew really made the difference, too. They were fun without being cringey or over the top.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or looking for something fun to do as a couple, this is the tour I’d recommend every single time.

Top Tips for This Lagos Boat Tour

If you’re thinking about booking the Algarve Golden Coast Cruise, here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of it:

• Book early if you’re going in summer. I went in August, and even then, spots were filling up fast. This tour is popular for a reason, and it would be a shame to miss out because you waited too long to lock it in.
• Bring a Towel. You’ll definitely want one after a swim, and there aren’t any on board. You’ll also just want something to sit on while you lounge.
• Pack sunscreen and reapply. You’ll be out in the sun for hours, and the sea breeze can be deceptive, so make sure you’re protecting your skin. 
• Sit around the edge of the boat if you want the best views and the full open-water experience. Those spots fill up quickly, so get on board early to get the best seat
• There’s also a shorter version of this cruise, which is three hours, but no lunch or drinks are included, which could be a good fit if you’re short on time. But honestly? I think the full version is 100% worth it.

👉Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip to the Algarve. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.

Quick FAQs About the Algarve Golden Coast Cruise

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of boat tours in the Algarve, but the Algarve Golden Coast Cruise really does feel like something special. It’s that perfect mix of stunning views, fun atmosphere, and just the right amount of adventure. Whether it’s your first time visiting Lagos or you’re a regular in the Algarve, this Lagos coastal boat tour will give you a fresh perspective of the region’s stunning cliffs, beaches, and caves.

For me, this boat tour in Lagos wasn’t just a highlight of my trip; it was one of the best boat tours I’ve done anywhere in the world. And considering how many I’ve been on in my 11+ years of travel, that’s saying something.

So if you’re in Lagos and debating whether to hit the water, I’ll make it easy for you: do it. You’ll get sunshine, sea breezes, and possibly even a dolphin or two. What more could you want?

👉 Book your unforgettable Lagos coastal cruise here. Dolphins, mojitos, and views for days await! 🐬🍹🌊